Tesla has announced the forthcoming activation of a sought-after security feature for its Cybertruck owners, addressing a gap that has concerned users since the vehicle’s launch. While Tesla vehicles such as the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y have all supported comprehensive Sentry Mode coverage, Cybertruck’s exclusion of the B-Pillar camera has left it less protected amid rising reports of vehicle targeting in the United States. Security and convenience have become top priorities for Cybertruck drivers, many of whom highlighted the demand for an update enabling complete use of the vehicle’s camera system during Sentry Mode events.
Early coverage of Cybertruck’s security system limitations mainly noted its reliance on existing camera placements, while other Tesla models benefitted from full-surround recording features. At launch, the restricted Sentry Mode on Cybertruck prompted feedback from both industry experts and Tesla’s community, with calls for expanded functionality steadily mounting. Past updates to the Tesla lineup have regularly introduced new capabilities through software, but the delay for Cybertruck reflected its unique design and technological requirements, compared to the more uniform S3XY (Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y) architecture.
Why has the B-Pillar camera been disabled on Cybertruck?
Tesla representatives cited technical challenges associated with Cybertruck’s distinct architecture as the primary reason for the B-Pillar camera’s delay. Unlike the other models, the Cybertruck required additional engineering to ensure the feature’s performance met company standards. Siddhant Awasthi, the Cybertruck Vehicle Program Manager, explained,
“Cybertruck was not 100% carryover in execution like SX3Y so it required work.”
What has changed to allow this upgrade now?
According to Tesla, the internal team has completed the necessary work to integrate the B-Pillar camera into Sentry Mode functionality for the Cybertruck. They have moved into the final validation phase to make sure the update runs reliably once released. Awasthi commented,
“Team has finished work on this and just need to make sure it’s validated and runs reliably (which it should for its feature).”
When can owners expect to see this feature?
Tesla has not set an exact release date for the update, but recent announcements suggest owners should anticipate a rollout within weeks, delivered via a software update. This will bring Cybertruck in line with other Tesla vehicles in terms of security capabilities and could provide additional protection for a model identified as highly targeted by theft and vandalism, according to community feedback and police reports.
Tesla’s approach to software-based enhancements enables rapid deployment of new features across its vehicle lineup, highlighted by cases where Full Self-Driving and advanced driver-assist improvements have been released to address differences in model design. With the activation of the B-Pillar camera on Cybertruck’s Sentry Mode, owners gain access to expanded event recording and potential crime-solving evidence, a feature that has assisted law enforcement in multiple incidents involving other Tesla models. It demonstrates Tesla’s ongoing commitment to vehicle security and reflects the importance of addressing owner feedback in product development. For readers considering Cybertruck, or current owners, the ability to receive key upgrades over-the-air without the need for hardware modification is a significant factor to keep in mind when evaluating vehicle security needs.
- Tesla prepares software update to improve Cybertruck’s Sentry Mode security features.
- B-Pillar camera integration soon closes a protection gap for Cybertruck owners.
- Update highlights Tesla’s strategy for remote upgrades and customer support.
